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Syracuse, New York, has nearly 300 cloudy days every year, so sun worshippers watch the weather for any opportunity to bask in the sun or swim outdoors. During the steamy summer months the decks of public pools and the beaches of several nearby lakes often are filled to capacity with locals trying to grab a tan or beat the heat. In winter, intrepid swimmers can find several public indoor pools open for laps and recreational swim in all corners of the city.

Public Indoor Pools

Syracuse has up to nine months of chilly weather. Fortunately, the city has several indoor pools open to the public for year-round lap and recreational swimming as well as lessons and water exercise. All Syracuse public pools are operated by the Syracuse Department of Parks, Recreation and Youth Programming (syracuse.ny.us). The largest of the indoor pools is the Max Newman facility; it is the only Olympic-size indoor pool in central New York. Additional indoor pools include Valley Pool, Huntington School Pool and the Southwest Community Center.

Public Outdoor Pools

Despite its reputation for cold weather, Syracuse summers can get very warm and humid. The city operates eight outdoor pools, which offer lap and recreational swimming and swim lessons. In addition, each of the pools has a spray fountain. The outdoor pools are open only during the summer, with opening dates beginning around Memorial Day and closing around Labor Day. Syracuse outdoor swim sites include Burnet Park Pool, Kirk Park Pool, Lincoln Park Pool, McKinley Park Pool, Onondaga Park Pool, Thorndon Park Pool and Wilson Park Pool. Families looking for something a little more thrilling will want to go to Schiller Park Pool which offers a 125-foot shallow-end water slide.

Green Lakes State Park

Thirteen miles from Syracuse in Fayetteville, Green Lakes State Park (nysparks.com) features two meromictic lakes -- natural pools that were formed by glaciers. Meromictic lakes are unique in that the surface and bottom waters never mix; the result is stunning blue-green water. Round Lake is heavily wooded with a hiking trail around the perimeter, but it has no beach or swimming area. Green Lake, on the other hand, has a large sandy beach and expansive swim area protected by lifeguards. There is no fee for swimming, but a vehicle-use fee is charged upon entry. You may enter the state park on foot or bicycle free of charge.

Skaneateles Lake

Meaning "Long Lake" in the local Iroquoian language, Skaneateles Lake is one of New York's picturesque Finger Lakes. The water in Skaneateles Lake is so pure it is used as drinking water -- unfiltered -- by all the nearby cities and towns. Swimming is permitted within the Village of Skaneateles at Clift Park (skaneateles.com), but nonresidents must pay a fee. The park has a grass beach and includes a guarded swim area.

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About the Author

Tom Nari has been writing professionally since 1998 and has written extensively for a variety of websites. He has coached competitive swimmers and triathletes and holds an additional degree in Kinesiology Theory, specializing in nutrition and resistance training. Nari holds a Master of Arts in creative writing from Loyola Marymount University.